Scarred for life after New Year’s glass attack

A MAN was glassed in the face and another set upon with a baseball bat in two separate attacks in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The Regent Pub on Montrose Terrace

The 35-year-old was out with his wife and friends celebrating Hogmanay within the Regent Bar, in Montrose Terrace, when he was struck with a glass.

He had been going to the bar when he was confronted by four men before one of them attacked him at 12.30am yesterday, leaving him permanently scarred.

He was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment and police said he had suffered severe facial injuries which will cause permanent disfigurement. The suspects fled the scene and were seen heading in the direction of London Road.

In the second incident, the victim had been celebrating New Year at a friend’s house in Carrick Knowe when he was assaulted by someone with a baseball bat.

Police have appealed for witnesses to both assaults, asking anyone with information or photographs to come forward.

The man responsible for the Abbeyhill bar attack was described as a white with a Mediterranean appearance, between 5ft 4in and 5ft 8in and in his early 30s. He had a slight build, brown eyes and short brown hair with a side parting. He also had a Scottish accent and was wearing a blue sweater.

The second suspect was described as a white man in his mid 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in with a muscular build. He had brown hair and was wearing a dark

pullover and trousers.

The third man was also described as white and in his mid 20s to early 30s, with a stocky build, red-brownish hair and a squint. He was wearing a navy blue jersey.

The fourth and final suspect is a white man in his mid 20s to early 30s. He had dark hair and was wearing a dark top.

Detective Constable Graham McIlwraith said: “This was a deplorable and completely unprovoked attack on an innocent man, who was out for New Year with his wife and friends. As a result of this attack, the victim has been badly shaken and left with permanent scarring to his face.

“We are looking to trace these men as a matter of urgency. We are also eager to speak anyone who may have witnessed the attack in the Regent Bar or who may have seen the suspects walking in the direction of London Road in the immediate aftermath.”

Details of suspects for the Carrick Knowe incident have not yet been released. Anyone with any information on either incident should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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